General info

The Yak-9K is a Rank III Soviet fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 4.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.

The main purpose, usage and tactics recommendations

General play style

Vehicle characteristics

Tactics

While the Yak-9K lacks some of the maneuverability and handling of its predeccessors, it champions an incredibly powerful 45x185mm cannon, capable of devastating heavy bombers and fighters alike at all ranges. Encumbered by the 152 kilogram (335 lb) cannon, the Yak-9K still manages to maintain average speed and average rate of climb, which is largely, not too detrimental. However, it is important to pick and choose targets, rather than take your chances and risking your Yak-9K against superior fighters. It's best to capitalise on isolated bombers and sometimes fighters, especially when you have an altitude advantage.

The most vital factor in contributing to successful use of this aircraft is its feared cannon. The NS-45 has little trouble taking out any target, big or small, at ranges of up to 1.5-1.6km (although consistently accurate at up to 1km) in 1 shot under the command of an experienced pilot. While it is capable of one-shot kills, the NS-45 seriously lacks any sort of precision when fired in quick succession (mainly due to recoil). Consequently, the cannon must be used in single fire and sometimes burst fire at close ranges up to 300-400 metres. Despite it having poor accuracy when used over aggressively, the first shot is usually fairly precise. Much of the power of the cannon comes from the use of the standard issue 45mm armour-piercing high-explosive ammunition (APHE), which can cause catastrophic damage to any part of a plane, although it is probably best to aim for large vital parts of the enemy aircraft (fuselage, cockpit, engine, tail) since shots to the wing can sometimes pass through without the high explosive effect.

Overall, piloting a Yak-9K requires patience and careful judgement in both tactically situations, but also in the use of its large cannon, which requires good leading skill and perfect compensation for shell drop. When used accordingly, the Yak-9K is frightfully rewarding to you and your team.